Sleep apnea affects tens of millions of Americans every year. However, it’s also a condition that doesn’t care where you came from or what income bracket you belong to. In fact, there are many celebrities out there that have to manage their sleep apnea symptoms every day. Thankfully, there are solutions out there to treat it at its source, so you don’t have to settle for interrupted sleep or groggy mornings for the rest of your life. Keep reading to learn which celebrities have this condition and what you can do to treat it once and for all.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that develops when oral structures relax during sleep, causing them to create a blockage to the throat. This prevents proper air flow while sleeping, reducing the amount of oxygen you get throughout the night. While the body is able to wake itself up in order to prevent suffocation, it also triggers what doctors refer to as an “apnea,” forcing the person awake in order to kickstart breathing.
It’s important to recognize that these apneas can occur dozens and even hundreds of times a night, making it nearly impossible to get a good night’s sleep. For example, sleep apnea often prevents people from reaching the deeper stage of sleep known as “rapid-eye movement,” or REM sleep for short. This stage is crucial to repair and regrow tissues, build bone and muscle, and keep the immune system strong. It also stimulates areas of the brain that help with learning and memory.
Celebrities That Have Publicly Mentioned Their Sleep Apnea
The list of celebrities is actually quite long and includes well-known names from all different industries from sports to movies to public office! The following people who have made their sleep apnea public include:
- Shaquille O’ Neal – Retired basketball player and sports analyst
- William Shatner – Actor
- Regis Philbin – TV host
- Rosie O’ Donnell – American comedian
- Rick Perry – former governor of Texas
- Larry the Cable Guy – American comedian
- Roseanne Barr – American comedian
- Quincy Jones – Jazz musician
- …and many others!
Common Treatment Options
Unfortunately, many Americans don’t realize there are treatments out there specifically designed to alleviate symptoms caused by sleep apnea and reduce the number of apneas in a given night. This includes services like oral appliance therapy, CPAP machines, and lip and tongue ties. Of course, the only way to know which option is right for you is to schedule an appointment with a sleep apnea expert.
You don’t have to settle for inefficient sleep. Doing so could not only affect your quality of life, but put you at risk for other medical conditions. Get in touch with a doctor and start your sleep apnea therapy today!
About the Author
Dr. Pamela West has completed thousands of hours of continuing education specifically focused on sleep medicine, a field dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions like sleep apnea. Her many treatment options ensure patients have a choice when it comes to their care, whether they want to go a more traditional routine or explore more modern solutions like Vivos! To schedule an appointment, you can contact her through her website.